In June’s third round of the Super GT season, Masataka Matsuda was involved in an incident with two GT300 cars as they exited the high-speed 130R. The impact was severe, resulting in the destruction of his NISMO-run Nissan and Matsuda having to be airlifted to the hospital. Fortunately, Nissan reported that he had avoided any significant injuries. After spending six weeks in the hospital, Matsuda was finally released in mid-July, and to everyone’s surprise, he was deemed fit enough to make his comeback at the next race in Fuji.
Matsuda’s Injuries
During an interview at Fuji, Matsuda revealed the extent of his injuries. He suffered a crack in his right ankle and damage to the muscles in his thighs. The impact of the crash was so intense that Matsuda initially couldn’t walk and was in excruciating pain. He was unsure about the severity of his injuries and had concerns about whether he would be able to make a racing comeback. However, with time and rehabilitation, Matsuda gradually regained his ability to walk. Although he isn’t at 100% fitness yet, he has made significant progress and is confident in his ability to compete.
Matsuda’s recovery process was arduous but well-structured. Initially, he focused on training and rehabilitating his upper body since it was not significantly affected by the crash. From mid-July, he started training his legs and steadily increased his strength. He still experiences some limitations with his right leg, but his left leg, which is essential for braking, is nearly back to full strength. Despite the challenges, Matsuda remained determined and adapted his training to accommodate his injuries. He utilized a hand cycle to maintain stamina and ensure his overall fitness.
The Plan for Racing Return
From an early stage, Matsuda and the medical team planned for his return to racing at the Fuji round. While at the Suzuka Kaisei Hospital, they carefully considered the best course of action to facilitate Matsuda’s recovery and preparation for August’s race. They established a timeline for his torn muscles to repair themselves and took precautions to ensure he didn’t exacerbate his injuries. Matsuda followed the doctors’ plan diligently, and as a result, he was given the green light to participate.
Not Yet at Full Fitness
Despite his incredible progress, Matsuda acknowledges that he is not yet at 100% fitness. He estimates that he is currently at around 70% to 80% of his optimal physical condition. His left leg, which plays a crucial role in braking, has recovered well, but his right leg still has some way to go. Nevertheless, Matsuda remains confident in his ability to perform on the track. He reassures everyone that his stamina is intact, thanks to the training he was able to do using a hand cycle during the recovery period.
Matsuda’s return to racing comes at a critical time in the season, with him and his teammate Ronnie Quintarelli sitting in third place in the GT500 standings. Despite the setback caused by the crash at Suzuka, Matsuda and Quintarelli have shown their potential by winning the opening race of the season at Okayama and finishing seventh in the second round at Fuji in May. With Matsuda’s determination and grit, they have a strong chance of climbing up the rankings and becoming serious championship contenders.
Masataka Matsuda’s recovery and return to racing following his injurious crash at Suzuka is a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite the physical and mental challenges he faced, Matsuda pushed through the pain and focused on his rehabilitation. His progress has been impressive, and while he is not yet at his optimal fitness level, he is determined to give his all on the track. As Matsuda and Quintarelli continue their campaign in the Super GT series, their comeback story serves as an inspiration to fellow competitors and fans alike.
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